The cable cars want to ensure that access to the ski area will remain possible throughout the valley in the future. The Ahornlift, however, will no longer be operated for economic reasons.
Continued operation of the Ahornlift not possible for economic reasons
The situation with the Ahornlift demonstrates that the status of valley lifts is generally challenging. "The capacity of the Ahornlift has fallen by almost half in recent years. This shows us that guests are apparently no longer accepting this product. Therefore, cost-covering operation is unfortunately no longer possible, not to mention the repairs and reinvestments that will be necessary in the coming years. For this reason, we must cease operations. A decision we made only with great reluctance," explains Andreas Gapp, Managing Director of the ski lift company links der Breitach.
From hotel bed to the ski slopes
The requirements for valley lifts have generally changed significantly in recent decades. While these ski areas functioned like small, independent ski resorts in the early years, today they are primarily important as gateways to the ski area. "By operating the Maisäß lift, we ensure that ski-in/ski-out access in Kleinwalsertal remains possible from many hotel beds. In total, even without the Ahorn lift, there are still 12 access points to the ski area. This is one of the great features of Kleinwalsertal, which must be preserved. A winter vacation or skiing in Kleinwalsertal still means a break from the stress of everyday mobility," says Andreas Gapp, pointing out the great importance of the valley lifts. For board member Augustin Kröll, having a single-source operation has two main advantages: "Operational coordination becomes easier, as does the design of the product for the customer. This was already evident last year with the Jedermann lift!"
Decision for the valley
For Advisory Board member Toni Haller, maintaining the valley lifts is a matter close to his heart. "As a hotelier, I know how important it is for guests to be able to access the ski area directly and what advantages this offers for the landlord. Therefore, it is very important to us to continue operating small lifts that private owners in the valley no longer wish to operate themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the owner of the Maisäßlift, Karl Schuster, as well as all other valley lift owners, for their cooperative collaboration over the past few years. The connection of Bödmen to the ski area is secured," explains Haller. Maisäßlift owner Karl Schuster is also pleased with the solution found for this winter. Discussions about the future of the lift are ongoing.
About the company
OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN unites the five mountain railway companies in Oberstdorf, Bavaria, and Kleinwalsertal, Vorarlberg, as an umbrella brand. As an essential component of the region's tourism infrastructure, innovation, guest orientation, and the creation of an unforgettable mountain experience for locals and guests are our top priorities. The Nebelhornbahn-AG, Fellhornbahn GmbH, Oberstdorfer Bergbahn AG, Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG, and the ski lift company links der Breitach GmbH & Co KG operate under the umbrella brand.
